Joint Commission Issues Sentinel Alert for Surgical Instruments Left in Patients

The Joint Commission has issued a sentinel event alert for ambulatory surgery centers and hospitals regarding the prevention of leaving unintended surgical instruments in patients.

The average total cost of care per incident is estimated to be from $166,000 to more than $200,000.

The Joint Commission recommends:

•    Development of a counting system to ensure all surgical instruments are accounted for
•    Implementation of an evidence-based, facility-wide protocol for prevention
•    Effective communication between all team members
•    Careful documentation
•    Safe selection and use of technology

More Articles on Accreditation:
3 Most Common Surgery Center Accreditation Questions Answered by Joint Commission
SpineCenterAtlanta Receives AAAASF Accreditation
Endoscopy Center of Savannah Earns AAAHC Accreditation

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